Last weekend was a wonderful opportunity to see some of the creativity and artistic talent of my constituents, with the Stanbridge Earls Exhibition of Arts and Crafts and the Private View of an exhibition of paintings of the Itchen and other magical places at Chilworth, by artists Lizzie McKellar, Lorraine Morris and Frinny Farthing. I am frequently bowled over by the talent of local people and the works on show were absolutely stunning. It was also a chance to visit St Denys Church, which is a lovely building with several memorials to members of the Willis Fleming Family going back centuries.
Last week I was at a conference with the charity supporting victims of child sex abuse, Restitute, and again this week was at an event in Parliament discussing “Phone Free Education” when several of the same people were present. It is terrifying listening to the Police experts about child on child abuse, the ways in which smart phones can be used as a weapon against the very children they have been given to. The Director General of the NCA has given many warnings about so called com groups, where sadistic and violent online gangs see offenders collaborate and compete to cause a broad spectrum of harm. I genuinely wish I had not heard about some of the depravity, and recognise the importance of the legislative measures that have been taken to try to protect children.
It is British Beauty Week this week and I have been to a number of events emphasising the economic importance of the hair and beauty sector to the UK. I am looking forward to a number of visits this weekend to celebrate the sector, which employs hundreds of thousands of people, predominantly women, and continue to provide people with good reasons to visit our High Streets. There remain serious questions about apprenticeships in the sector, alongside issues with VAT and business rates, and I know there has been a great deal of lobbying of the Chancellor ahead of next month’s budget.
Last week’s Great South Run was not necessarily a triumph for anything other than the weather. I did complete the full ten miles, in the most appalling conditions, and have suffered for it since. There were 25,000 people taking part, enjoying the atmosphere and many running to raise money for some wonderful charities. There was a big team from MacMillan and I am off to their coffee morning in Westminster this week, I know there have been numerous events around the constituency and would like to thank all those who have hosted and taken part. I think I have definitely expended enough calories to be able to enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of cake!